The Pipeline Whiners...er Protesters (Video Below)

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When the Alberta Oil Sands were first being exploited the effects on the environment were a disaster.

Time, money, and research is now turning this around~the land is being reclaimed, wildlife is returning, there are jobs for the residents, and more importantly, energy that does not rely on the whims of oppressive dictators.

Despite all the efforts, and the successful reclamation of once defiled land, the pictures of oil-soaked birds and wildlife have created a lasting impression~while the work being done to correct the damage goes unnoticed in the court of public opinion.

Saudi Arabia~Leaders in the Arab World

The Alberta Oil Sands are serous rivals to  the oil of Saudi Arabia, one of the most oppressive regimes in the world.

Canadians and Americans share the world's longest border, and have similar in cultures, values and respect for  freedom and democracy. Two of the largest countries in the world have an opportunity to unite in the production of cheaper, conflict free oil~why would they want to be held hostage?

As the need for energy rises, it is imperative that we know the facts and choose wisely. Remember, just because one side screams louder does not mean they are right!

Reclaimed Land

One very good site called Ethical Oil is a good place to start~you can learn the facts about the "Tar Sands"~Do take the time to be informed.

Ronald Bailey is an award-winning science correspondent for Reason magazine. He filed two reports when he visited the Tar Sands. You can (and should) read them both here:

1st Report  and  2nd Report.

One must ask, Why would the US  (or anybody), want to depend on “conflict oil” imported from countries run by unsavory regimes like those of Venezuela, Nigeria and Saudi Arabia?

Tar Sands Mining Pit in Operation

The Natural Resource Defense Council (NRDC) and other environmentalists  have stated (correctly) that mining oil sands means ripping up some boreal forest. In Canada, the boreal forest covers 2.2 million square miles, about 60 percent of the size of the entire United States. Oil sands production has covered about 410 square miles of forest. For comparison, the Chicago metropolitan area covers about 10,000 square miles.

Don't forget, producing oil sands crude in Canada already includes the costs of reclaiming the land and a whole panoply of other environmental regulations.

I lived in Northern Alberta for some time and am well aware of the damage done to the environment in the first years of operation.  In fact I was completely against the whole thing.

Former Mining Pit

But, Alberta is learning from its mistakes and oil companies are cleaning up their act. Environmentalists are right to bring attention to infringements, but wrong to demand a complete halt to production.

With the correct approach, the Alberta Oil Sands could free North America from the pressure of dictatorial regimes and provide energy, jobs and growth to its citizens now, and well into the future. Consider that the oil we are currently buying at absurd prices is not all that "clean" by any means! With "home grown" energy there is the choice to make it clean and ethical.

Native Worker

Reports indicate that the pipeline is “shovel ready” and construction would involve hiring as many as 10,000 Americans immediately with up  to 34,000 by 2014.

Energy Minister Liepert commented, that in June, Alberta (population 3.7 million) created 22,000 new jobs compared to just 18,000 for the entire United States! Future predictions are for the creation of as many as 600,000 jobs and a $775 billion boost to the US gross national product by 2035~all as a result of importing Canadian oil.

And yet~it would seem that the powers-that-be prefer to be slaves to Middle-East Dictatorships rather than do business with their neighbors. You just can't make this stuff up...

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Reclaiming the Land From Oil Sands